The Night I Let Go novel Chapter 8

"Do you live here?" Zachary asked in confusion. He seemed to be trying to process the situation.

Anya did not answer his question. She brushed past him and pushed the door open, slipping into a pair of bunny-print slippers with practiced ease.

She turned and flashed a bright smile as she said. "Mr. Lloyd, what are you standing there for? Come on in!"

"I thought I asked you to rent a villa for me, not…" Zachary stood at the doorway, frowning slightly.

Anya blinked, her tone innocent as she spoke, "I did. I'm renting you my villa. Is there a problem? Or are you saying I'm in your way?"

"It's not appropriate for us to live together as a single man and woman under one roof," Zachary stated flatly.

"What's not appropriate? You're paying, and I'm providing the villa. It's mutually beneficial." Anya replied nonchalantly.

Seeing Zachary still hesitating, she urged, "Oh, stop standing there like an idiot. Get inside already! I made dinner, and it's going to get cold if you keep this up."

Upon hearing that, Zachary thought for a moment before stepping inside.

After leading him to the guest room on the second floor to drop off his suitcase, Anya cheerfully headed downstairs.

"Come on. Wash your hands, and let's eat!" she called back with a light tone.

At the dining table, beef steak slices and a bowl of salad awaited them. There was mushroom soup too. It wasn't too extravagant, but well-prepared.

Anya brought out two empty plates and two sets of cutlery. She turned to Zachary and said, "I've practiced my cooking skills, so try it!"

Catching her expectant gaze, Zachary nodded slightly and picked up a slice of beef with his fork. He chewed slowly before swallowing.

"It's not bad," he said plainly.

Anya pouted a little at the lukewarm response. "Hmph. Tough critic."

Despite her grumbling, the two settled in and began eating.

Midway through the meal, Zachary brought up the idea of renting a different villa, explaining his concerns.

He felt that it was inappropriate for them to live together, especially considering her status and the potential for rumors.

He was more worried about how it would affect Anya, given her prominence in Yelbric and the public's watchful eyes.

"Let them talk! Maybe it'll stop those ridiculous rumors that I'm into women," Anya said dismissively, almost with a hint of amusement.

Her casual tone and unbothered demeanor left Zachary at a loss. If Anya herself didn't care, maybe he was overthinking it. Still, he couldn't help but raise one more point.

"If this is a shared rental, then shouldn't the rent be—" Zachary asked, his tone cautiously inquisitive.

Anya interjected, "Mr. Lloyd, I'm a beautiful woman sharing a villa with you. That alone should be worth the price. Don't tell me you're trying to negotiate."

She crossed her arms, adding, "Besides, I cook sometimes, so you're saving on food expenses too."

Zachary sighed in resignation and said nothing.

…

The night passed in silence.

The next morning, Zachary was up early and had already prepared breakfast. As he ate, he heard footsteps in the hallway.

Soon, Anya's surprised voice rang out. "Mr. Lloyd, you can cook?"

Zachary glanced up at her, his tone exasperated. "Quit the chatter. It's already late. Hurry up and eat so you can drive me to the office."

"Yes, sir!" Anya chuckled and quickly sat down, pulling out a chair to start eating.

She mumbled mid-bite, eyes wide with amazement. She said, "Mmm! Mr. Lloyd, your cooking is amazing!"

Zachary shot her a look, repeating her words from the night before with deliberate emphasis. "I've been practicing too."

Anya's cheeks turned pink as embarrassment washed over her.

There was no comparison between their cooking skills. Anya's dishes were edible, but hardly remarkable in taste or presentation. Meanwhile, Zachary's dishes looked good and tasted great.

With this direct comparison, she couldn't help but feel a little defeated.

Half an hour later, they arrived at Yel Corporation International Trade building.

Today was Zachary's first day officially taking over the company, so he had dressed sharply in a black suit. As they made their way toward the elevator, employees kept greeting Anya.

"Good morning, Ms. Wayne!" one employee greeted brightly.

"Morning, Ms. Wayne!" another chimed in, a smile on their face.

Despite the formal greetings, their curious eyes couldn't help but linger on the unfamiliar man by her side. The whispers started as soon as the elevator doors closed behind them.

After the two entered the elevator, the employees who had greeted Anya began to gossip in the company group chat.